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sherwin J. Isenberg, mD
Laraine and David Gerber Professor of
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Professor of Pediatrics
Vice-Chairman of the UCLA Department
of Ophthalmology
Chief of the Ophthalmology Division,
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance
Member of the Jules Stein Eye Institute
ReseaRch summaRy
Pediatric Ophthalmology, Amblyopia,
and Ophthalmic Pharmacology
Dr. Isenberg’s research activities have concentrated on
various aspects of surgical and medical diseases of
children’s eyes. The goal is to decrease the frequency
of blindness in children worldwide. In a series of studies
of newborns, Dr. Isenberg has characterized a number
of elements: the type and source of bacteria of the
external eye; the evolution of iris structural changes;
the development of the macula, which is the source
of central vision; and pupillary responses after birth.
Recent publications have characterized the produc-
tion and nature of tears of infants and the develop-
ment of the cornea in the first year of life. He has also
reported the ocular signs in newborns whose mothers
abuse cocaine, facilitating the diagnosis of newborn
cocaine intoxication.
In another avenue of research, povidone-iodine eye
drops have been found to treat bacterial conjunctivitis
successfully in a three-year, international study with the
University of the Philippines. The eye drops were also
found to be safer and more effective in preventing eye
infections than the currently used agents. Dr. Isenberg
and other investigators have now proven that the
povidone-iodine eye drops can treat the number one
cause of preventable pediatric blindness in the world—
corneal infections due to bacteria. These studies,
conducted in children and adults in India and the
Philippines, should reduce the number of 400,000
children now blind from corneal infections. A new study
investigating fungal infections of the eye, which blind
approximately 10,000 children annually, has been
completed at three sites in India.
48 Faculty | Isenberg
Lastly, a new device that reports blood gases from
the conjunctiva, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide,
is being developed. Preliminary trials have been
completed in animals and in adults undergoing
cardiac bypass surgery. The hope is to apply the
device to the eyes of premature newborns. The
continuous readout of tissue blood gas levels should
enable the pediatrician to prevent damage to the
baby’s brain and keep the oxygen at an appropriate
level, minimizing the possibility of blindness from
retinopathy of prematurity.
Public Service
Member, Medical Advisory Board and Board of Directors;
and Research Committee Chair, Blind Children’s Center
President, Costenbader Pediatric Ophthalmology Society
Vice President Elect, American Association for
Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus